Pain in the forefoot is caused by age-related fatigue in the ligaments and muscles that maintain the correct positions between the bones of the forefoot and toes. These changes can cause pain when walking.

Pain in the forefoot

The big toe and little toe normally bear the greatest weight, but if you have forefoot collapse, a large part of the load is transferred to the other three toes.

When the metatarsal heads at the base of the toes sink down, they are pressed against the ground, so that weight during walking impacts these bones; at the same time, the fatty tissue that protects the skin from the pressure of the metatarsal head disappears. Pain and hard skin develop as a result of high skin pressure.

In other cases, pain in the forefoot is caused by joints that have dislocated or are partially damaged by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or synovitis.

Changes such as hallux valgus and hammer toes are often seen together with forefoot collapse.

When is collapsed forefoot treated?

There is only reason to treat you if there is pain. If symptoms are only mild, an operation should be postponed and you should try a wide forefoot insole, which is placed just behind the tender metatarsal heads, thereby lifting them from the ground. You can buy the insole at Matas and it is called a “forefoot pad”. It may also be relevant to refer you to an orthotist or shoemaker. If these measures do not help and you have frequent pain in the forefoot, we can offer an operation.